A Pawn's Passage

The Dazhen Mansion was the core of the Zhengyi Sect, so it received and dispatched countless messages daily. As such, it did not restrict the use of mother-child talismans or rapid-post talismans, nor could it feasibly scrutinize every single communication.

In truth, the Dazhen Mansion had formations capable of sealing off all external communication. But in times of peace, such barriers were rarely activated.

This gave Qi Xuansu an opening. He retrieved the golden-purple fish talisman to contact Madam Qi.

Judging by the timeline, Madam Qi had already won the Holy Xuan Cards Championship by now, bestowing Yao Pei the title of Card Saint and, more importantly, pocketing the prize money. Though it was a modest sum, it was a windfall nonetheless.

So she had been in a good mood, uncharacteristically fussing over Qi Xuansu like a doting mother, making him feel suspicious and somewhat flattered by the rare show of affection.

Qi Xuansu then recounted the incident in which he had been framed, not out of spite, but because he genuinely wanted to know who was pulling the strings behind the scenes. If it had been the Taiping Sect or the Li family, their methods would have been far more refined. This had all the hallmarks of someone who simply disliked him and wanted to provoke him, perhaps not even aiming to bring him down but merely issuing a warning.

Of course, it was also possible that the situation could have erupted into a major scandal, only to be casually neutralized by the Heavenly Preceptor. What seemed life-threatening to ordinary folk might vanish like breath in the wind before an Immortal. Perhaps the Heavenly Preceptor had resolved it without claiming credit, thus giving Qi Xuansu a false sense of security.

Qi Xuansu’s foundation was still weak, and he held no real power, so investigating this matter on his own would be nearly impossible. He could only turn to Madam Qi, and if she would not help, then he could go to Zhang Yuelu. After all, the Heavenly Preceptor had already entrusted her with control over the Ziguang Society.

Due to this, Qi Xuansu suddenly realized that their future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict could be a double-edged sword. If mishandled, he would be caught in the middle, suffering on both ends. But if managed well, he could benefit from both sides. If Madam Qi oppressed him, he could ally with Zhang Yuelu to push back. If Zhang Yuelu bullied him, he could call on Madam Qi for support.

After hearing him out, Madam Qi laughed. “Oh, sabotaging one’s innocence sure is a good trick. Leave this matter to me. You can rest easy.”

Though Madam Qi was undeniably money-minded, she was also extremely reliable, always giving off the sense that everything was under control. She had never let Qi Xuansu down thus far.

Since she had made such a promise, Qi Xuansu chose not to press further and instead shifted the conversation to his visit to Yunjin Mountain.

Madam Qi was well-informed. Though she might not know every detail of Qi Xuansu’s movements, she had a general grasp of things, so she was not surprised by what he shared.

Qi Xuansu asked, “Madam Qi, the Heavenly Preceptor has been elevating my status and even said that the hearth lacked a fresh log. Is this related to the alliance between the Zhengyi Sect and the Quanzhen Sect?”

Madam Qi spoke bluntly. “Yes, that was indeed part of the consideration. You’re essentially Yao Pei’s substitute.”

Qi Xuansu had long suspected that the Quanzhen Sect was grooming him as Yao Pei’s stand-in. He had been puzzled back then, but now, he understood. It turned out that he was this kind of substitute.

Since Yao Pei was a woman, and the Zhang family had no suitable male talent in the Yue-generation, someone had to replace Yao Pei in representing the Quanzhen Sect in this political marriage with the Zhengyi Sect. Though Qi Xuansu was not from the Yao family, his relations with Madam Qi made him one of their own.

So Qi Xuansu had judged correctly. Thankfully, Yao Pei was not a man. Otherwise, things would have gone terribly wrong.

If Yao Pei had been male, then the friendship they shared would likely have been replaced by mutual hostility. They might have been bitter rivals rather than allies.

Of course, being a marriage substitute was not Qi Xuansu’s only role. The Quanzhen Sect’s investment in him had surely considered many factors.

If something were to happen to Yao Pei, they could still push Qi Xuansu forward. After all, it was better to have him become the Grand Master than hand the position to the Li or Zhang families.

Qi Xuansu then asked, “Madam Qi, what do you think Zhang Jucheng’s intention is in meeting me?”

Madam Qi casually replied, “Maybe he’ll offer you a million Taiping coins to walk away from Zhang Yuelu.”

Qi Xuansu was speechless for a while. Madam Qi was surely greedy, having just doubled the amount without batting an eye.

Madam Qi continued, “If he really pulled a stunt like that, then his future’s over. Forget inheriting the Heavenly Preceptor’s mantle. He wouldn’t even get to be a Great Sage.”

“If you ask me, Zhang Jucheng is meeting you for three reasons. First, to go through the motions. As the deputy head of the Zhang family, he can’t ignore you. Second, he wants to gauge your stance, and through that, infer Zhang Yuelu’s stance. Third, he wants to negotiate.”

“What kind of negotiation?” Qi Xuansu asked.

Madam Qi said, “Negotiation is just mutual compromise. He gives a little, you give a little, and everyone walks away content. As for what exactly he wants you to compromise on, I’ll give you one clue. Someone like Zhang Jucheng doesn’t throw tantrums without reason, nor does he act out of emotion. That’s something Tantai Qiong would do. What drives him is profit and consequence. The rest is up to you to figure out. You’re grown now, so you need to learn how to think for yourself.”

With that, Madam Qi ended the conversation.

Qi Xuansu was left to ponder things on his own.

Zhang Jucheng had clearly been shaken, and his decision to meet with Qi Xuansu was undoubtedly tied to Zhang Yuelu.

The main branch of the Zhang family was afraid that Zhang Yuelu might seize their family’s power.

This was not just a matter of one generation. It would impact their descendants for generations to come.

If Zhang Yuelu were only to serve a single term as the Heavenly Preceptor, they could endure it. What they truly feared was her passing the title down to her children, turning her minor branch into the main branch and claiming the title of Heavenly Preceptor for generations to come.

The original main branch would then become the minor one, with no hope of resurgence.

This was not groundless worry either. The main branch of the Li family had changed hands several times before returning to the original one in the current generation. But the Li family did not seem to mind such shifts, with a sense of taking turns at the helm.

Thus, the intentions of the Zhang family’s main branch became clear. They saw that their own line was caught in a generational gap, surrounded by external threats. With Zhang Yuelu’s influence rising and the Heavenly Preceptor’s stance growing clearer, her ascension to power was inevitable. On that point, they could afford to yield.

If they stepped back, Zhang Yuelu should logically do the same, by ensuring the continued stability of the main branch of the Zhang family.

But how could that stability be guaranteed? A verbal promise would not be convincing enough.

Zhang Jucheng was of the same generation as Sage Cihang and Sage Donghua, nearly 40 years older than Zhang Yuelu. Even if she did not become Grand Master and Zhang Jucheng assumed the Heavenly Preceptor’s position first, he would eventually have to pass the mantle to her. That could give her a reign of nearly 40 years, which was more than enough time to turn the tables.

This was likely what Zhang Jucheng wanted to discuss.

As for why he did not speak directly with Zhang Yuelu was likely because no good opportunity had presented itself. On the other hand, Qi Xuansu was a guest, and it was only natural for Zhang Jucheng, as the host, to meet a guest and junior.

These were the three points Madam Qi had mentioned.

Qi Xuansu could not help but sigh. Experience came with age. Madam Qi had seen straight through to the heart of the matter, while he was still fumbling around, stuck on the level of marriage. That was why Sage Donghua called Madam Qi a formidable woman, and why Qi Xuansu remained just a foot soldier under Sage Donghua’s command.

Having sorted that out, Qi Xuansu now had a rough grasp of what to expect in the upcoming meeting.

Strictly speaking, Qi Xuansu should inform Zhang Yuelu ahead of time, exchange views, and ideally reach some mutual understanding. But upon hearing that her immediate family was also staying at the Dazhen Mansion, he decided against it.

It was not because he feared Tantai Qiong. Rather, he did not want to create unnecessary trouble out of respect for Zhang Yuelu. It was best to let Zhang Yuelu handle it herself because if he intervened, he would only be adding fuel to the fire.

The next morning, Qi Xuansu woke from meditation. The meeting was scheduled for noon, so he had the morning free. Since he could not visit Zhang Yuelu, he decided to explore the Dazhen Mansion, a sacred Daoist land on par with the Chongyang Palace of Immortality.

Before departing, Tang Jiaohua had given him a token to move about freely within the Dazhen Mansion, except for restricted areas like the Wanfa Ancestral Altar, Xuanwu Hall, or the Demon-Vanquishing Platform.

As soon as Qi Xuansu stepped outside, he ran into Zhang Yuelu’s cousin, Zhang Chiyue.

They had been acquainted during Qi Xuansu’s previous visit to Yunjin Mountain. They had gotten along well at the time, but afterward, this cousin had not spoken highly of him in front of Zhang Juping. Ironically, it was Zhang Yuyue who had thought well of Qi Xuansu.

Coincidentally, Zhang Chiyue was a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master, serving as a superintendent in Ziwei Hall. In every aspect, he ranked below Qi Xuansu, so if Qi Xuansu really wanted to assert his seniority, Zhang Chiyue could only endure it.

But since they were within the Zhang family’s territory, decorum and courtesy mattered. Thus, they refrained from using formal titles and addressed each other simply as Daoist Brothers.

Qi Xuansu judged that their meeting was not a coincidence. Zhang Chiyue had likely been waiting for him.

Upon learning that Qi Xuansu planned to explore the Dazhen Mansion, Zhang Chiyue promptly volunteered to serve as his guide.

Qi Xuansu found it hard to refuse, so the two men walked through the estate, engaging in casual small talk along the way.

After walking for a while, Zhang Chiyue suddenly said, “Brother Qi, quite a few people have taken a keen interest in you lately.”

Having seen much more of the world by now, Qi Xuansu’s composure had grown. He showed no surprise and responded calmly, “Interest? Don’t tell me they want to test my skills and give me a good show of force as a welcome gift.”

Zhang Chiyue neither confirmed nor denied it. “After all, youngsters without a bit of fire wouldn’t be considered the youth.”